Mar 19 2009
Today’s Part- TBI Vortec Intake from GMPP PN# GM 12486572
Today Today we’re looking at an intake from GM Performance Parts. Many would not opt to purchase an intake manifold from “The General,” but in this scenario, you have few other options.
What makes this intake interesting is it’s intended application. The top end of the intake will allow TBI (Throttle Body Injection) systems to be installed, along with the required emissions equipment to go with it. The real catch here is, the intake is designed for use with GM’s Vortec heads.
Vortec heads came stock on some different small block V8’s in the mid-to-late 90’s. They stand head and shoulders (no pun intended) above the stock cylinder heads offered in the past. The cylinder heads are often a limiting factor in how much power you can make with your combo, and they are NOT a cheap swap to make. This is where Vortec heads come in. They are available used, from stock applications, which means that you can do the junkyard crawl for a set and even score cheap ones on craigslist. Aftermarket cylinder heads of similar or slightly better grade are just far more expensive.
What does all this mean? Well, if you’ve got a V8 chevy truck, camaro or firebird from the late 80’s or early 90’s, now you can toss those old junk heads, step it up to some Vortecs. Add other mods, and actually see a difference for once too, now that you’ve got some flow. Not to mention, you’ve kept your car street legal.
What’s the catch? Well, the price is steep for an aftermarket intake. Look to spend close to $400 new, and over $250 used. I got mine for $100 locally, so it’s possible, but it took about six months of tracking one down.
There are other options if you want to use Vortec heads with TBI. The cheapest way out, is a nice used intake (A Performer RPM from Edelbrock would be nice) for a carburated motor of your type, then use a spacer/adapter to mount the throttle body. You’ll lose your EGR valve, screw up your linkage geometry for the throttle and TV detent cable, and have to adjust both forever, but you’ll save a few bucks.
Always check your emissions laws to see what’s legal. If you want to track down this particular intake, here’s the part number:
GM 12486572
